Yes. There is less hope for a good future now than any other time in my lifetime (65 yrs). Why can't our leaders see that losing hope is the last thing to go before wanting to die. There is too much competition in our children's worlds now. They can't just play. They have to be in pageants, they have to be in organized sports, they have to accumulate trophies, they have to wear clothes that look expensive, they have to have the expensive gadgets or they feel inferior. There is an emphasis on thinness, beauty, hunks, etc. Businesses try every way they can to screw the customer - the words they use, the packaging, online businesses that lock you in and you can't get out. Identity theft, drugs, diminished law enforcement ability, people flaunting breaking laws and laugh in your face. Yes, this world is getting so bad, the only thing and the best thing I can think of to combat this is the churches who have focused on meeting the needs of our young. Creating a feeling of community and "We are here for you" and they back it up. My church is like that and it is growing by leaps and bounds. The kids would do ANYTHING to get to their meeting and not miss out on the fun and warm, spiritual hopefulness. Love in action. That's all we have to hope for, in addition to heaven. My best friend committed suicide at 41.

I feel that the constant barrage of negative "news" and talking about every conceivable, horrible crime on TV makes many people feel that there is no hope in this world. It is also a known fact that sometimes suicides, among young people especially, are "copycat" happenings. If someone is depressed & hears that another has committed suicide, they decide to do it also. A family in my church lost a 23-yr-old son to suicide a week ago. He developed severe alcohol/drug problems as a teen, and was never able to overcome it. He had a full scholarship in engineering to a state university & didn't even make it 1 semester. He had caring parents and extended family. Apparently, years of addiction takes a toll on minds as well as bodies. I know this situation in your neighborhood/area is very disturbing. Has your daughter been to any counseling regarding suicide? Sometimes schools have these programs for their students after this occurs. It is very hard to cope with all the terrible things "swirling around us" - but I do have faith, and I am thankful for it. May God bless and encourage you - Doye

Even the weather stations hype up the reports so dramatically, the sky is falling, the sky is falling....I was extremely concerned about driving home from my son's house because of the terrible storm reports. The sun shone all the way home!

Plus the lack of respect for "life" now a days makes it seem not important to bail out of this life as if it has no meaning. God help us and our children.

The economy is bad, there is so much crime these days, people see little hope for change or things getting better---and sadly we have this huge push toward pulling away from anything spiritual, we want God out of our schools, out of sight, no mention anywhere public. I believe that God is the only real hope we have---we aren't going to change the mess we have made of this world on our own--people need to see the hope that He provides. Unfortunately we as a nation have let the few who don't believe in anything push the rest of us into a corner where there is very little hope or light to be seen. That's the way I see it.

I agree with Suzie..:: the only hope is Jesus!!

Wow...I respectfully have to disagree with the last two posts.

Being Buddhist I believe that the answer to these problems boil down to love and compassion for our fellow human beings. That we are the answer to our problems and that we can make a difference.

It is easy to wander around saying how bad everything is...or how unfair things are...or how much better they used to be...it takes a lot more to help be part of the solution. I have nothing against prayer per se as long as it is coupled with rolling up your sleeves and helping create the world you want to see.

Despite its problems the world is still a beautiful place. People are (generally speaking) decent...no one has to follow the consumerism flock it is a conscious decision...and values begin at home...we have the responsibility as parents and grand-parents to combat the thinness, beauty, hunks, must have must be must do mentality...not every business is out to "screw the customer" and the barrage of negativity can be met with an equal barrage of positive...we need only look...I am sure that many churches provide this...but any of us...all of us can provide this if we try.

To quote the Dali Lama "My Religion is Compassion"

...just another perspective...

Carla

My understanding is that suicide rates have always been higher for teens, but I think our modern times--with facebook and other technologys are making it worse. Young people have a lot of pressures on them lately. The future is not as bright as it was when I was their age.

Five of the 7 suicides were adults - all in their 50's.

My hope rests in Christ--and that is enough to spur me to action where there is some way I can help. :)

When the Republicans want to get rid of social security (my lifeline) and medicare (my only hope for medical care) it magnifies my own fear of the future. Suicide is preferable to being homeless, alone, and hungry at my age. I dont fear death. I still look for work, still have savings, still have friends, still have hope, but the fear is still there.

The attempted sucides of people that I know, men and women , had nothing to do with the state of the nation. It had to do with life issues- relationship stressors, lifestyle conflicts, coupled with a feeling of isolation, and having no one to turn to at a time when they needed help..The 2 suicides we have had at our high school have been boys; attempted,but unsuccessful suicides by girls, and almost always they have been over a fight or break up with their boy or girlfirend. It's just so important for those of us who have experienced losses to continue to reach out to others.

Among main reasons are broken spirit, broken connection with people, especially being a perceived burden for those who matter the most.
The thoughts of that nature can come to mind to many of us during trying times, particulary among seriously ill, but not everyone is acting upon those thoughts.
Keeping hope alive, in spite of hopeless messages that are
bombarding us every day, is extremely important.
.
"Garbage in-garbage out" people say, and I agree.
There are many ways to shield your home, as well as your mind.
I'd started with stopping the media's sewage invading my home

No any less of importance is to replenish the positive energy, everyday life and worries tend to deplete us from the joyful attitude.

Lastly, Staying connected with nice people who understand us, and bring the best out of us.

I agree with Suzie. I believe in Christ our Lord and Savior. With too many public sectors chosing to remove God I choose to send my daughter to a private Christian School. Our United States founders first built this country "Under God" and these days they are trying to remove him. I believe it is why our country is going the way it is. Some people are losing hope and not sure where to turn to. I am not here to offend anyone or preach its my personal opinion. The school I sent my daughter to is the school my beloved husband coached at and between them and my church we have had so much love and support. We have to remember to spread the love and kindness where its needed. Too many lose faith and hope. Turn to God resist evil and sin and pray for peace.

Trust in him
Edie

Also I want to add, when my husband passed away the old public school I was sending my daugther did not care she was struggling. I was so disappointed. Which is why I chose to send her to the school she is at now. They treat her and us like family. Big difference. God is there and its good enough for me.

Trust in him
Edie

I want to add People involved in their own lives - not understanding or wanting to be involved like families used to be in helping out I think adds to this - Just my 2 Cents worth..

We take God and belief systems out of our schools, and many other acitivities to not offend someone - People do not attend or practice or keep in touch with God like they used to...